The Australian Council of Social Service has written to the Prime Minister with recommendations on the COVID19 response to support people who are most vulnerable at this time.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life already suffered and understand the community’s grave concerns about health and incomes,” ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said. “We must work together as a community to deal with the health crisis in a way that supports people in the greatest need.

Goldie said their recommendations to government is to go to better supporting people on low incomes, older people, people with disability and First Nations communities.

“While we’ve welcomed a number of measures taken by the Government in the response to date, there are key issues for people facing disadvantage that need to be urgently addressed,” she said.

She adds that government need to focus on supporting those who are most vulnerable at this time through the social security, health, NDIS and aged care systems, as well as the community service sector,.